FOR SCHOOLS & DISTRICTS

Partner with Project Sankofa

Defining a collaborative framework to empower change and foster lasting community impact.




INTEREST FORM

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE...


  • Black students see themselves reflected in their teachers: Where classrooms are led by passionate, culturally competent educators who understand their unique experiences.

  • Every student thrives with a rich, inclusive curriculum: Where ethnic studies and social justice are woven into daily learning, sparking critical thinking and empowering young minds.

  • A pipeline of future equity-centered educators is built from within your district: Where high school students are inspired to pursue teaching careers, strengthening your faculty for years to come.


That's the vision of Project Sankofa's Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW).

PARTNER BENEFITS


The Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW) offers school districts a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for advancing diversity goals and improving student outcomes. Through partnerships with leading higher education institutions, we develop a sustainable pipeline of New Resident Teachers (NRTs) who complete a Master’s and/or credentialing program.


Beyond recruitment, our initiative includes targeted retention strategies and ongoing professional development—equipping districts to build, support, and sustain stronger, more representative teaching teams.


HOW IT WORKS

we offer more than a program that addresses the teacher pipeline deficit


When you bring a NRT on board, we provide:


Dedicated Mentor Teacher Support: Your school identifies a mentor teacher, and we provide both stipend and comprehensive training to ensure effective guidance.


Student Support Services: Access our award-winning African American Scholars Project (AASP), which can be facilitated by your NRT, providing valuable enrichment to your students.


Professional Development: Through Project Sankofa, we offer additional professional development opportunities to further enhance your staff's skills around culturally competent teaching practices.

Learn more

WHY OUR TIERED PARTNERSHIP MODEL?

The NBEW model bridges gaps in recruitment, preparation, and retention for Black educators.

  • Flexible: Adapts to regional needs and partner capacity.
  • Sustainable: Blends district investment, tuition-sharing, grants, and philanthropy.
  • Equitable: Every educator receives mentorship, culturally responsive training, and professional development.
  • Scalable: Shared infrastructure accelerates impact while maintaining quality.


Tier 1: University Track

Multiple universities handle

coursework and placement.

NBEW provides recruitment,

mentorship, and alumni

programming.

tier 2: District-Only REsidency

Districts directly employ

residents and fund training.

NBEW delivers PD, coaching,

and wraparound supports.

Tier 3: REgional Collective

NBEW serves as a central hub, coordinating multiple districts and credentialing partners with shared funding.

partnership selection criteria


NBEW carefully evaluates potential partners to ensure alignment with our mission and readiness for collaboration.


Key criteria include:


  • Mission Alignment: Commitment to advancing Black educators and culturally responsive education.
  • Capacity & Resources: Ability to support candidate training, mentorship, and placement.
  • Regional Fit: Alignment with local education priorities and demographics served.
  • Sustainability: Financial and operational plans for long-term growth.
  • Partners undergo application reviews, interviews, and site visits for mutual fit.

THE CHALLENGE

  • Currently, only 6% of U.S. public school teachers are Black (2020-21 data).


This disparity impacts Black students' academic and social-emotional development.

OUR SOLUTION

  • Recruit and retain aspiring educators: Providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.
  • Empower Black high school students: Through engaging ethnic studies courses and pathways to higher education or postsecondary success and career.
  • Address systemic inequities: Tackling the root causes of educational disparities in underserved communities.

Ready to Build a More Diverse and Impactful Teaching Force? 

Complete our NBEW interest form today. Let’s start the conversation and explore how we can bring aspiring equity-centered educators into your classrooms and community.

NEXT BLACK EDUCATOR WORKFORCE (NBEW) FOR SCHOOLS & DISTRICTS


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • 1. What is the Next Black Educator Workforce (NBEW)?

    NBEW is a program that combines a staffing solution with a graduate-level teacher credentialing program. We connect schools and districts with aspiring equity-centered educators who work as paraprofessionals or teacher assistants while earning their master's degree and single-subject teaching credential.

  • 2. How does NBEW address the shortage of Black educators?

    We provide a mission-driven recruitment model that supports aspiring Black educators. Our program provides a structured pathway to becoming a highly qualified teacher, addressing the barriers that often prevent individuals from pursuing teaching careers.

  • 3. What subjects do NBEW educators specialize in?

    NBEW educators can pursue a single subject credential in any subject, making it easy for schools and school districts to fill and plan for future vacancies. New Resident Teachers (NRTs) who pursue a credential in English or History will receive specialized training in developing and teaching Ethnic Studies curriculum.

  • 4. What is the role of the mentor teacher?

    The mentor teacher provides guidance, support, and feedback to the New Resident Teacher (NRT) throughout the program. They act as a resource and role model, helping the NRT develop their teaching skills.

  • 5. How does NBEW support mentor teachers?

    We provide both a stipend and comprehensive professional development to mentor teachers, ensuring they are equipped to effectively guide their New Resident Teacher (NFT).

  • 6. What is the African American Scholars Project (AASP)?

    AASP is an award-winning student support program offered through Project Sankofa as well. It provides enrichment and academic support to students, and can be facilitated by the NRTs working in your school.

  • 7. Who is Project Sankofa?

    Project Sankofa offers professional development opportunities to schools and districts that partner with NBEW. This allows your existing staff access to additional training.

  • 8. What are the benefits of partnering with NBEW?

    Partnering with NBEW provides:

    • A reliable source of qualified culturally responsive educators.
    • A cost-effective way to fill paraprofessional and teacher assistant vacancies.
    • Access to highly trained educators with expertise in culturally relevant pedagogy.
    • Dedicated mentor teacher support.
    • Student support services through AASP.
    • Professional development opportunities through Project Sankofa.
    • A direct impact on increasing diversity within your school.

  • 9. How does the partnership with our university partners work?

    Our University partners provides the graduate-level coursework and credentialing program for the New Resident Teachers (NRTs). NBEW facilitates the partnership and ensures that the program aligns with the needs of our partner schools.

  • 10. What is the time commitment for the New Resident Teachers (NRTs)?

    NRTs commit to a two-year residency program, working full-time in your school as paraprofessionals or teacher assistants while completing their graduate studies.

  • 11. What is NBEW's approach to teacher retention?

    NBEW is committed to addressing the challenges of teacher retention, particularly within racially isolated communities. 


    Our program is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of educators who are invested in their schools and students.